Advanced Numerical Tools for Design and Analysis of In-Space Valve and Feed Systems

A high-fidelity numerical simulation software (CRUNCH CFD®) predicts the transient performance of flight valve designs, provides design support by supplementing current empirical rules, and diagnoses system anomalies. Currently, transient analysis of valves is difficult to simulate because of the requirement to dynamically deform the grid due to the valve motion. For complex, transient problems such as engine startup or shutdown that also involve dynamic sealing of fluid flow paths due to valve/solid surface contact, it becomes nearly impossible to deform the grid in an automated fashion.